This is an exciting time and we look forward to meeting you when you arrive in New Zealand! Before you leave home, there's a few things you will need to consider.

Once you're accepted

This is an exciting time and we look forward to meeting you when you arrive in New Zealand! Before you leave home, there's a few things you will need to consider.

Visa information and immigration

You will need a current study visa to study at Otago Polytechnic. Information on how to get a student visa is available from Immigration New Zealand. This website has information and contact details for your closest Immigration New Zealand office, as well as downloadable application forms.

When to arrive

It is recommended you arrive a few days prior to your programme start date so that you have enough time to find accommodation and attend orientation before classes begin.

Orientation

Dunedin Campus

If you are studying at the Dunedin campus, you need to attend a 3 Day Orientation for International students from 9.00am-3.00pm each day. Lunch will be provided on Day One. Orientation is the week before the start of each semester.

Preparation for studying in New Zealand and introduction to Kiwi Culture

Introduction to your School and liaison staff

Meet with current students

Tour of the campus

Optional visits to recreational facilities and city bus tour

2018 First Semester Orientation: 14- 16 February

2018 Second Semester Orientation: Monday - Wednesday, 16 - 18 July

If you arrive after these dates, or if your Programme has a different start date, please email intlss@op.ac.nz for details of your orientation programme.

2018 Competency Assessment Programme (CAP)Orientations are held on the first day of the Programme between 9-12pm

Please note: From July forward, Orientation will be on the Friday before classes begin the following week.

CAP Programme start dates:

29th January, 14th May, 23rd July and 1st October.

2018 English Language Summer School, 9-3pm Monday to Thursday, 9-11am FridayOrientations are held between 10-12pm on the Friday before the Programme begins.

16 Week Programme start date: Monday 15th October

Central campus

In Central, your orientation can begin from the moment we meet you at Queenstown Airport. We will take you to your accommodation, help you get settled in, and ensure you have the essentials, such as groceries. At this time we will also brief you what to expect in your first few days at Central.

Your first day at Central includes:

Enrolment and Student ID process

Information on Otago Polytechnic requirements and Student Services

Preparation for studying in New Zealand

Introduction to your Programme Manager and school

Tour of the campus.

Auckland campus

If you are studying at the Auckland International Campus, please click here for information about Orientation.

Planning your finances

You’ll need to think carefully about the amount of money you will need while you are studying. Remember, your daily cost of living is in addition to our tuition fees. This section explains important financial things about money, including the cost of living, transferring money to a New Zealand bank account and family expenses if they are planning to come with you.

Currency

New Zealand currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Coins come in denominations of $0.10, $0.20, $0.50, $1, and $2. There is a bank branch, or at least an automatic teller machine (ATM), on nearly every tertiary campus. All banks offer phone and internet banking. Most New Zealanders use EFTPOS to pay for large and small items. This is an electronic transaction that automatically transfers money from your bank account to the retailer.

Opening a bank account

Foreign currency

You can bring as much foreign currency as you like into New Zealand, but if it’s more than NZ$10,000 you need to declare it to Customs. Most overseas currencies are easily exchanged at New Zealand banks. Check out the latest exchange rates.

What to pack

In keeping with New Zealand’s relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. Most houses do not have central heating so New Zealanders tend to wear many layers of clothing to keep warm, including merino (wool) or polypropylene long sleeved tops. In winter and summer you'll need:

Warm footwear for cold weather

Woolen sweaters or other warm garments

A warm and windproof coat

Winter hat, scarf and gloves

A sunhat or cap (It’s easy to get sunburnt here, even on cool or cloudy days, as the sun in New Zealand has strong UV rays)

Suitable footwear for outings to the beach and the countryside.

If you do not have suitable clothing available in your country, we suggest that you buy warm garments suited to Dunedin's cold winter climate when you arrive. Items such as merino and propylene clothing, and winter jackets can be purchased year-round from the following shops:

Electrical items

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels and some homes provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors. For all other equipment, you’ll need an adapter or converter, unless the appliance has a multi-voltage option. Power outlets only accept flat three- or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.

What not to bring

When you fly to New Zealand from overseas, it is important to follow New Zealand law. That means you must declare or dispose of risk goods at our international borders. Biosecurity risk goods that must be declared include: